Russia's Navy Day Parade Was Also Held Off Tartus, Syria

The Independent: Russia holds first ever military parade in Syria

Navy Day marked with show of military might in St Petersburg, Crimea and Tartous in Syria, where Moscow has just cemented its military presence in deal with Syrian government

Russia’s armed forces have celebrated Navy Day with processions and parades across the world - including its first ever celebration in Syria.

Navy Day is a national holiday for Russians on which huge parades are held in St Petersburg - Moscow’s second largest city and the home of the Navy - on the last Sunday of July.

There are usually smaller processions at Russian naval bases across the vast country as well as around the world, including Crimea, annexed in 2014, and for the first time this year, the regime-held Syrian city of Tartous.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Russia's main Navy parade was held in Saint Petersburg .... It's Navy Day In Russia Today (July 30, 2017).

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Meets Iraq's Moqtada Al Sadr In Jedda

Iraqi cleric Moqtada Al Sadr with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman / Credit: Saudi Press Agency

The National: Moqtada Al Sadr received by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

The visit to Saudi Arabia is his first in 11 years and comes after Iraq’s interior minister and prime minister held meetings in the kingdom in recent weeks

Moqtada Al Sadr, the powerful Iraqi cleric, has been received by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the latest meeting between senior Iraqi and Saudi figures.

The visit was his first in 11 years and comes after Iraq’s interior minister and prime minister held meetings in the kingdom in recent weeks.

Shortly after Mr Al Sadr's arrival in Jeddah on Sunday, he was met by the Saudi minister of state for Gulf affairs, Thamer Al Subhan.

“We have been very pleased with what we found to be a positive breakthrough in the Saudi-Iraqi relations, and we hope it is the beginning of the retreat of sectarian strife in the Arab-Islamic region,” a statement from Mr Al Sadr’s office said.

The Shiite cleric, who comes from a powerful line of religious figures, commands huge support in Iraq, leading vast protests against government.

Read more ....

WNU editor: Looking at the above picture .... I cannot help but say to myself that if these two men represent the future of the Middle East .... sighhh .... the future "does not look bright".

Islamic State Tries To Regroup In Libya

ISIS still maintains strong presence in Libya, capitalizing on the chaos that has engulfed the country since 2011.

FOX News: ISIS, squeezed out of Iraq and Syria, now 'regrouping' in Libya, analysts say

As the Islamic State terror network loses territory across Iraq and Syria, analysts and experts assert that the terrorist outfit is increasingly capitalizing on the chaos of Libya, positioning the country as its point of resurgence.

The black-clad jihadist outfit is believed to be regrouping and recruiting in the rural regions south of the main east-to-west coastal highway and in the far-west town of Sabratha, which is poised just 60 miles from the Tunisian border, since being run out of its Libyan “caliphate” capital of Sirte late last year.

“The majority of their fighting force comes from Tunisia, so Sabratha is also a growing center,” prominent terrorism analyst Robert Young Pelton told Fox News. “ISIS in Libya can regenerate quickly.”

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Groups like the Islamic Satte thrive in countries that are failed states .... and Libya is certainly one of those failed states.

The War Against The Islamic War In Syria -- News Updates July 31, 2017

RUDAW: Kurdish force may leave Raqqa campaign if Turkey continues attacks

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The head of the Kurdish YPG forces that comprise the backbone of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have warned they will withdraw from the alliance if Turkey continues to increase its attacks on the Shahba region and Afrin.

Sipan Hemo said that they have communicated their concerns to the US-coalition in “clear” terms.

Turkey considers the YPG an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an armed rebel force opposed to the Turkish state. The YPG has the same ideological roots as the PKK but denies any links.

“We have shared our issue with the coalition. If the Turkish state continued its occupation attacks against Afrin and Shahba, the Raqqa operation will not continue,” Hemo told the PKK-affiliated ANF media on Friday.

Read more ....

The War Against The Islamic War In Syria -- News Updates July 31, 2017

Kurds May Leave Coalition Raqqa Op if Turkish Attacks Continue - YPG Commander -- Sputnik
Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria sets election dates -- Al-Arabiya/Reuters
ISIS Claims Deadly Attack On US-backed Syrian Forces -- Military.com/AP
Islamic State attack targets SDF-held area in Syria -- Reuters
Daesh ramps up counter-attacks after getting squeezed in Raqqa -- TRT
Food access in Syria's Raqa at 'critical turning point': NGOs. -- AFP
Syrian army advances on Deir ez-Zur -- RUDAW
British Isis wife 'wants to flee Syria but her young son is refusing' -- The Independent
Syria: Raqqa’s besieged residents deprived of urgent medical care -- Relief Web
New Dangers Stalk Syrian Children Still Haunted by Horrors Under ISIS -- NYT
Burning Raqqa: The civilian toll on the U.S.’ latest anti-ISIS strategy -- Laura Gottesdiener, Salon

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- July 31, 2017

Allison Fedirka, Geopolitical Futures: Are China and India on the Road to War?

In mid-June, a remote area called the Dolam plateau in the Himalayas where the boundaries of China, India and Bhutan meet made headlines when Indian and Chinese troops began a standoff over a road construction project. China conducted a live-fire exercise in the area, and there have been false reports of deaths. Diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation, but still the risk of war has been on everyone’s mind.

The terrain and weather in the area, located in a region called Doklam, are anathema to war. And yet, almost exactly 55 years ago, China and India fought briefly over this and other contested border areas. So what is the strategic value of this seemingly obscure plateau? And would India and China really go to war again over it?

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- July 31, 2017

U.S. has responsibilities in Iraq and Syria post-Islamic State -- Wa'el Alzayat, UPI/The Arab Weekly

Inside Iran’s Mission To Dominate The Middle East -- Borzou Daragahi, Buzz Feed

After Raqqa’s Fall -- Nabeel Khoury, Cairo Review Of Global Affairs

Netanyahu Loses His Cool in a Summer of Crises -- Daniel Gordis, Bloomberg

America's next Security Competition Will Be in Central Asia -- Ariel Cohen, National Interest

What U.S. Knew About NK's 2nd ICBM Launch Ahead of Time -- Ankit Panda, Diplomat

North Korea’s ICBM Test is a Win for Iran -- Ted Poe, National Interest

Chinese Spy Ships: The Devil in the Detail -- Sam Bateman, Lowy Institute

Pakistan’s Generals Strike Again: Sharif’s Ouster Is a Scary Shake-Up -- Bruce Riedel, Daily Beast

U.S. Sanctions Are Another Gift to Putin -- Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg

US-Russia ties at new low with expulsions of diplomats -- Vladimir Isachenkov, AP

The U.S. and Russia: A Lesson in Asymmetry -- Stratfor

Russia Signals Tough Pragmatism toward the United States -- George Beebe, National Interest

How Mexican Cartels Prey on Chicago's Chaos -- Jeremy Kryt, Daily Beast

Venezuela’s Unprecedented Collapse -- Ricardo Hausmann, Project Syndicate

World News Briefs -- July 31, 2017 (Evening Edition)

Reuters: U.S. targets Venezuelan President Maduro for sanctions

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government slapped sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday, the Trump's administration's toughest move so far against his government in response to Sunday's election of a legislative superbody Washington denounced as a "sham" vote.

No oil-related measures were included in the announcement, but such measures remain under consideration, according to congressional sources and a person familiar with the White House's deliberations on the matter.

Under the sanctions, all of Maduro's assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction were frozen, and Americans are barred from doing business with him, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqis say they foiled IS plan to attack revered shrines.

Iraqi general sees easy victory over exhausted IS fighters in Tal Afar.

Food access in Syria's Raqa at 'critical turning point': NGOs.

Hezbollah announces ceasefire with Sunni jihadists near Arsal. Thousands to be evacuated from Lebanon-Syria border. Hezbollah seizing territory along Lebanon's northeastern border.

Saudi Arabia reports shooting down Houthi missile near Mecca.

Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr makes rare Saudi visit.

‘Declaration of war:’ Hajj controversy widens row between Saudi Arabia & Qatar.

Exclusive: Qatar launches wide-ranging WTO complaint against trade boycott.

ASIA

Russia rebuffs U.S. on North Korea, says Moscow, Beijing not to blame. Up to U.S., North Korea to ease tensions, not China: China U.N. envoy.

Kabul attack: Islamic State group claims responsibility for deadly Iraqi embassy attack.

Trump, Abe discuss ‘grave and growing’ threat from N. Korea. Trump vows 'all necessary measures' to protect allies from North Korea, says Abe.

Donald Trump says China does ‘nothing’ to thwart North Korea’s nuclear quest.

Donald Trump: China defends itself against US President criticism over North Korea.

North Korea accuses U.S. of preparing for nuclear war.

North Korea drought threatens famine and instability.

Glimmer of hope over border row as envoys from China and India meet.

Pakistan's Parliament meeting Tuesday to elect interim PM.

India seizes record heroin haul off merchant ship on Gujarat coast.

AFRICA

Somalia says kills senior al Shabaab commander in raid.

Rwanda's Kagame predicts clean sweep to third presidential term.

Algerian army kills six armed militants: defense ministry.

Congo police arrest over 100 as anti-Kabila protests dispersed.

US military: Drone strike kills al-Shabab fighter in Somalia.

Troops surround Maldives parliament to protect president.

Kenyan election official 'tortured and murdered' days before national vote.

Senegal ruling party coalition claim election landslide.

Libya committee votes in favor of constitutional draft.

Nigeria to continue oil exploration in Lake Chad Basin despite kidnapping.

Niger Delta leaders threaten to pull out of peace talks if demands not met by November 1.

EUROPE

Spanish court halts bid to fast-track Catalan referendum preparations.

U.S. embassy in Moscow says locked out of diplomatic property.

Ukraine finance minister denies tax evasion after probe launched.

US VP Mike Pence in Estonia raises prospect of deploying Patriot missiles. Mike Pence reassures Baltic states over Russia 'threat'.

Russia defends slashing US mission as hope fades of better ties. US-Russia diplomatic row: Kremlin says local staff can be included in diplomatic staff cuts.

Berlin calls for retaliation against 'illegal' US sanctions on Russia.

Russia warns Poland not to touch Soviet WW2 memorials.

Eurozone unemployment rate falls to 9.1%.

WikiLeaks releases 21,000 ‘verified’ Macron campaign emails.

Battle of Passchendaele remembered in Ypres, Belgium.

AMERICAS

Scaramucci out of White House job as John Kelly takes charge.

Venezuela defiant as US moves to sanction president.

Venezuela's Maduro cheers election, opposition barricades streets.

Venezuela election: Deadly protests mar ballot as voters snub Maduro constituent assembly. Venezuelan gov't praises controversial election condemned by opposition. Venezuela defiant as US moves to sanction oil industry.

Venezuela poll: EU condemns violence as turnout figure disputed.

Venezuela heading for dictatorship after 'sham' election, warns US amid clashes. US set to hit Venezuela with new sanctions after election.

Trump swears in new chief of staff, says no White House 'chaos'.

White House: Trump to decide soon on ending health payments.

Trump to award first Medal of Honor to Vietnam Army medic.

Trump threatens to axe Congress members' sweetheart health care deal and threatens insurance companies with pain following Obamacare repeal disaster.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Islamic State’s Khorasan ‘province’ assaults Iraqi embassy in Kabul.

Britain strips more than 100 Islamic State fighters of citizenship.

Australia ramps up airport security after alleged plane bomb plot.

Australian police prevent a terrorist attack. Sydney terror plot: device may have been hidden in meat grinder.

'Islamic State' claims attack on Iraqi embassy in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Dow hits record high while tech retreats.

Brexit: Race to host EU agencies relocated from London.

China orders Anbang to sell Waldorf Astoria, other foreign assets: report.

U.S. companies post profit growth not seen in six years.

The War Against The Islamic War In Iraq -- News Updates July 31, 2017

RUDAW: Iraqi officials foil ISIS plan to attack home of prominent Shiite cleric

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraqi intelligence officials say they have foiled an attempt by ISIS to attack the home of Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Two officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that they foiled an attempt by ISIS to carry out a series of suicide attacks in Karbala and Najaf where the home of Sistani is located, as well as shrines which are revered by the Shiite community, The Associated Press reported on Sunday.

Sistani has been a leader of Shiite opposition to ISIS in Iraq.

In June 2014, he called upon all able-bodied men within Iraq’s Shiite population to take up arms against ISIS militants and to defend Baghdad and other Shiite cities after the extremist group captured Mosul.

Read more ....

The War Against The Islamic War In Iraq -- News Updates July 31, 2017

Iraqis Say They Foiled IS Plan to Attack Revered Shrines -- VOA
Iraqi general sees easy victory over exhausted IS fighters in Tal Afar. -- Reuters
Upcoming Tal Afar battle simpler than Mosul's: Top Iraqi general -- Press TV
'Helpless' medics in Mosul plead for help to treat city's injured -- Sky News
Booby-traps plague north Iraq -- Gulf Times
Bloody revenge stalks the ruins of Mosul -- The Herald Scotland
Iraq plans to shore up its ground forces with Russian T-90 tanks -- RUDAW
'Our work is not done': Canadian troops help secure Mosul as future battles loom -- Ottawa Metro
'We assumed everyone else was dead' - Mosul family rescued after being trapped under rubble for 21 days -- The Telegraph
Lost children are legacy of battle for Iraq's Mosul -- Business Insider/Reuters
'I got four Yazidi virgins as part of my Isil salary and had sex with a different one every night' -- The Telegraph.
Life after ISIL: Mosul musicians emerge from the shadows -- Al Jazeera
Iraqis in Mosul markets both fear and hope for the future -- AFP
Iraqi forces just retook Mosul from ISIS. These photos show what they found. -- VOX
Mosul yet to begin a long process of recovery -- Mamoon Alabbasi, UPI/The Arab Weekly

US Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Has Started Launching Air Strikes Against ISIS In Syria And Iraq

(Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 3r)

Sputnik: US Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Starts Anti-Daesh Air Campaign in Syria, Iraq

The US aircraft carrier Nimitz Strike Group has begun sorties to crush Daesh militants in Iraq and Syria.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The aircraft carrier Nimitz Strike Group has entered to air campaign against the Daesh terror group (banned in Russia) in Syria and Iraq with a series of strike sorties, the US Navy announced in a press release on Monday.

"The first aircraft launched from USS Nimitz was an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the ‘Argonauts’ of Strike Fighter Squadron 147," the release said.

The Nimitz Strike Group's deployment to the US 5th Fleet area of operations supports Operation Inherent Resolve and signals the continued commitment to defeat and destroy Daesh], the release said.

Read more ....

Update: Nimitz launching sorties against ISIS (Kitsap Sun).

WNU editor: The primary mission may be against the Islamic State, but Iran is in the neighbourhood .... Iran Is Claiming That A Helicopter From The Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz Fired Warning Shots At An IRGC Patrol Boat In the Persian Gulf (Daily Mail)

BREAKING NEWS: President Trump Fires Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci surrounded by reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. Credit Doug Mills/The New York Times

New York Times: Trump Removes Anthony Scaramucci From Communications Director Role

WASHINGTON — President Trump has decided to remove Anthony Scaramucci from his position as communications director, three people close to the decision said Monday, relieving him just days after Mr. Scaramucci unloaded a crude verbal tirade against other senior members of the president’s senior staff.

Mr. Scaramucci’s abrupt removal came just 10 days after the wealthy New York financier was brought on to the West Wing staff, a move that convulsed an already chaotic White House and led to the departures of Sean Spicer, the former press secretary, and Reince Priebus, the president’s first chief of staff.

The decision to remove Mr. Scaramucci, who had boasted about reporting directly to the president not the chief of staff, John F. Kelly, came at Mr. Kelly’s request, the people said. Mr. Kelly made clear to members of the White House staff at a meeting Monday morning that he is in charge.

Read more ....

Update: Trump ousts Scaramucci as communications director (Politico)

WNU editor: After last weeks tirade I gave him a few months. But what probably sped-up everything was the new appointment of Chief of Staff John F. Kelly .... it looks like this was one of his conditions for the job.

What Will Be The Impact On The U.S. Losing '755 Diplomats' In Russia?

The building of U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Moscow Times

Shaun Walker, The Guardian: What will be the ramifications of Putin's order to reduce US embassy staff?

Russia’s surprise move is so severe that if it goes ahead it is likely to paralyse the work of US diplomats in Russia – depending on how the details shake out.

When it comes to diplomatic expulsions, Vladimir Putin likes to pull a surprise.

When the outgoing Barack Obama administration kicked out 35 Russian diplomats in December, the Russian president was widely expected to make a symmetrical response, but surprised everyone by doing nothing at all – apparently in the hope that relations would become rosier when Donald Trump took office.

Now, seven months later, the response has finally come, and Putin had another surprise up his sleeve: this time, the Russian move is so severe that if it goes ahead it is likely to paralyse the work of US diplomats in Russia.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: There goes the support staff (i.e. cleaners, office gophers, the gardeners, chauffeurs, etc.).

China Hits Back At President Trump's Criticism On Beijing's Policy Towards North Korea

Reuters: China hits back at Trump criticism over North Korea

BEIJING (Reuters) - China hit back on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted he was "very disappointed" in China following Pyongyang's latest missile test, saying the problem did not arise in China and that all sides need to work for a solution.

China has become increasingly frustrated with American and Japanese criticism that it should do more to rein in Pyongyang. China is North Korea's closest ally, but Beijing is angry with its continued nuclear and missile tests.

North Korea said on Saturday it had conducted another successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile that proved its ability to strike the U.S. mainland, drawing a sharp warning from Trump and a rebuke from China.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke with Trump on Monday and agreed on the need for more action on North Korea just hours after the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations said Washington is "done talking about North Korea".

Read more ....

WNU editor: The Chinese are worried that the U.S. may start to sanction Chinese banks doing business with North Korea. There is also concern from my Chinese friends that the U.S. may start to use trade as a lever on China to change their other policies on North Korea .... which I agree will happen. As to when .... there are reports that the U.S. may act against China within a week .... US to Decide on China Policy Over Lack of Pressure on North Korea Within Week (Sputnik). What's my take .... I expect no major U.S. pressure or new policies directed against China until after President Trump travels to China in November. After the visit .... that is when anything and everything will then become possible.

Update: Russia is also reacting to U.S. pressure that they are aiding North Korea .... Moscow Slams US for Putting Blame for N Korea's Missile Tests Onto Russia, China (Sputnik).

More News On China Hitting Back At President Trump's Criticism On Beijing's Policy Towards North Korea

Chinese official says no link between US trade and N. Korea -- AP
China to Trump: Don't blame us for North Korea, trade issues -- USA Today
China hits back at Trump after he slammed Beijing for doing 'nothing' to stop the North Korean nuclear weapons 'problem' -- Daily Mail
Beijing rejects link between North Korea and China-US trade -- SCMP

President Trump And Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Agree To Escalate 'Actions' Against North Korea

The Hill: Trump, Abe discuss ‘grave and growing’ threat from N. Korea

President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed the "grave and growing" threat from North Korea after Pyongyang conducted its latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Trump and Abe during a call on Sunday agreed that North Korea "poses a grave and growing direct threat to the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other countries near and far," according to a readout from the White House.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Yup .... North Korea ICBM Test Strengthens US Alliances (VOA).

More News On President Trump And Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Agreeing To Escalate 'Actions' Against North Korea

Trump vows 'all necessary measures' to protect allies from North Korea, says Abe -- The Guardian
North Korea threat: Japan's Abe says he and Trump agree to take further action -- FOX News
US & Japan vow action on 'growing direct' North Korea threat -- DW
Trump and Abe discuss North Korea threats -- SKY News
US, Japan Agree 'Further Action' Against North Korea Is Necessary -- VOA

U.S. Pacific Command: There Are 3 Major Threats Challenge The Pacific

An M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System from 1st Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Republic of Korea/United States Combined Division, fires an MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile into the Sea of Japan July 5.. The U.S.-South Korea exercise came in response to North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.. (Army)

Military Times: PACOM commander: 3 major threats challenge the Pacific

The head of U.S. Pacific Command said the region is focused on three major threats: North Korea, China’s interactions in the South China Sea, and the Islamic State spreading to the Philippines.

Navy Adm. Harry Harris discussed the challenges facing the Asia-Pacific community during the Japan-U.S. Military Statesmen Forum in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

North Korea, which launched its 11th missile test this year on Friday morning, is an “immediate threat to our alliance,” Harris said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has tested more missiles than his father and grandfather combined, he added.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I agree.

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Today's Attack On the Iraqi Embassy In Kabul, Afghanistan

Reuters: Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Iraqi embassy in Kabul

KABUL (Reuters) - Militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack on the Iraqi embassy in Kabul on Monday that began with a suicide bomber blowing himself up at the main gate, allowing gunmen to enter the building and battle security forces.

Although there has been no confirmation of direct planning links with the main Islamic State movement in Iraq and Syria, the attack, just three weeks after the recapture of Mosul, underlines fears of a spillover into Afghanistan from fighting in Syria and Iraq.

Afghan security forces confronted three gunmen for hours before the Interior Ministry announced in mid-afternoon that the attack, in a normally busy business district of the capital, had been suppressed.

"The attack is finished," said Sayed Basir, a member of the special forces unit that dealt with the incident. He said the four attackers were dead, while two members of his unit were slightly wounded.

Read more ....

More News On Today's Attack On The Islamic State In Kabul, Afghanistan

IS targets Iraq Embassy in Kabul; all 4 attackers killed -- AP
IS claims attack on Iraq embassy in Kabul -- AFP
The Latest: Afghanistan Says 2 Iraq Embassy Staff Killed -- US News and World Report/AP
Kabul attack: Gun battle and suicide bombing in Afghan capital -- BBC
Iraqi Embassy in Kabul targeted by bombing, gunmen -- Washington Post
Bomb attack triggers four-hour battle at Iraq Embassy in Kabul -- CNN
Islamic State claims attack on Iraqi embassy in Kabul -- The Australian
Kabul attack: Islamic State group claims responsibility for deadly Iraqi embassy attack -- ABC News Online
Iraq's embassy in Kabul attacked by Islamic State militants -- UPI
Afghan Officials Say Attack On Iraqi Embassy Over -- RFE
ISIL claims attack on Iraqi embassy in Kabul -- Al Jazeera

World News Briefs -- July 31, 2017

Daily Mail: 'Victory for the revolution': Venezuelan President Maduro claims election win as opponents vow to keep protesting after 10 are killed in wave of bloodshed

* Ten 10 people were killed in a wave of bloodshed as Venezuelans went to the polls over the weekend
* Nicolas Maduro defied international criticism to hold elections for a powerful new 'Constituent Assembly'
* President has since claimed it is 'the biggest vote the revolution has ever scored in its 18-year history'
* Cam as pictures showed violent clashes taking place between police and protesters in the capital Caracas

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has claimed victory for 'the revolution' in a controversial election a day after ten were killed in a wave of protests.

Violence swept the country on Sunday as Maduro, 54, defied international condemnation to hold elections for a powerful new 'Constituent Assembly'.
Authorities later announced an 'extraordinary turnout' of more than eight million voters, 41.5 per cent of the electorate, before the president hailed the figure as an election win.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Iraqis say they foiled IS plan to attack revered shrines.

Iraqi general sees easy victory over exhausted IS fighters in Tal Afar.

Food access in Syria's Raqa at 'critical turning point': NGOs.

Hezbollah announces ceasefire with Sunni jihadists near Arsal. Thousands to be evacuated from Lebanon-Syria border. Hezbollah seizing territory along Lebanon's northeastern border.

Saudi Arabia reports shooting down Houthi missile near Mecca.

Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr makes rare Saudi visit.

‘Declaration of war:’ Hajj controversy widens row between Saudi Arabia & Qatar.

ASIA

Kabul attack: Islamic State group claims responsibility for deadly Iraqi embassy attack.

Trump, Abe discuss ‘grave and growing’ threat from N. Korea. Trump vows 'all necessary measures' to protect allies from North Korea, says Abe.

Donald Trump says China does ‘nothing’ to thwart North Korea’s nuclear quest.

Donald Trump: China defends itself against US President criticism over North Korea.

North Korea accuses U.S. of preparing for nuclear war.

North Korea drought threatens famine and instability.

Glimmer of hope over border row as envoys from China and India meet.

Pakistan's Parliament meeting Tuesday to elect interim PM.

India seizes record heroin haul off merchant ship on Gujarat coast.

AFRICA

Algerian army kills six armed militants: defense ministry.

US military: Drone strike kills al-Shabab fighter in Somalia.

Troops surround Maldives parliament to protect president.

Kenyan election official 'tortured and murdered' days before national vote.

Senegal ruling party coalition claim election landslide.

Libya committee votes in favor of constitutional draft.

Nigeria to continue oil exploration in Lake Chad Basin despite kidnapping.

Niger Delta leaders threaten to pull out of peace talks if demands not met by November 1.

EUROPE

US VP Mike Pence in Estonia raises prospect of deploying Patriot missiles. Mike Pence reassures Baltic states over Russia 'threat'.

Russia defends slashing US mission as hope fades of better ties. US-Russia diplomatic row: Kremlin says local staff can be included in diplomatic staff cuts.

Berlin calls for retaliation against 'illegal' US sanctions on Russia.

Russia warns Poland not to touch Soviet WW2 memorials.

Eurozone unemployment rate falls to 9.1%.

WikiLeaks releases 21,000 ‘verified’ Macron campaign emails.

Battle of Passchendaele remembered in Ypres, Belgium.

AMERICAS

Venezuela election: Deadly protests mar ballot as voters snub Maduro constituent assembly. Venezuelan gov't praises controversial election condemned by opposition. Venezuela defiant as US moves to sanction oil industry.

Venezuela poll: EU condemns violence as turnout figure disputed.

Venezuela heading for dictatorship after 'sham' election, warns US amid clashes. US set to hit Venezuela with new sanctions after election.

Trump swears in new chief of staff, says no White House 'chaos'.

White House: Trump to decide soon on ending health payments.

Trump to award first Medal of Honor to Vietnam Army medic.

Trump threatens to axe Congress members' sweetheart health care deal and threatens insurance companies with pain following Obamacare repeal disaster.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Britain strips more than 100 Islamic State fighters of citizenship.

Australian police prevent a terrorist attack. Sydney terror plot: device may have been hidden in meat grinder.

'Islamic State' claims attack on Iraqi embassy in Afghanistan.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Brexit: Race to host EU agencies relocated from London.

China orders Anbang to sell Waldorf Astoria, other foreign assets: report.

U.S. companies post profit growth not seen in six years.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- July 31, 2017

PHOTO: Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army take part in the the military parade. (Reuters: China Daily)

ABC News Online: China's Xi Jinping tells People's Liberation Army to transform into elite force during military parade

President Xi Jinping has told the Chinese military to transform itself into an elite force, as he oversaw a parade with flybys of advanced jets and a mass rally of troops to mark 90 years since the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

China's armed forces, the world's largest, are undergoing an ambitious modernisation program, which includes investment in technology and new equipment such as stealth fighters and aircraft carriers, as well as cuts to troop numbers.

Mr Xi presided over the large-scale military parade at the remote Zhurihe training base in China's northern Inner Mongolia region, where he inspected troops from the back of a jeep, an event carried live on state television.

Read more ....

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- July 31, 2017

China Demonstrates New DF-31AG Intercontinental Ballistic Missile for First Time -- Sputnik

China must defeat ‘all enemies that dare to offend’, President Xi tells troops at military parade -- SCMP

Xi’s show of force declares China’s battle readiness to the world -- SCMP

At remote northern outpost, China’s military marches where Genghis Khan once rode -- South China Morning Post

China Reveals New Military Technology Agency -- Adam Ni, The Diplomat

Pyongyang's nighttime missile launch signals growing skill -- Nikkei Asian Review

US tests defense system after North Korea missile launch -- CNN

U.S. tests missile defense after North Korean ballistic launch -- UPI

US B-1 bombers overfly Korean Peninsula after North's ICBM test -- DW

South Korea Asks to Increase Its Firepower -- The Atlantic

South Korean Military Mulling Nuclear Arsenal of Its Own -- Sputnik

Putin oversees naval parade -- DW

Tank Biathlon Contest at 2017 Army Games (VIDEO) -- Sputnik

Under PAK FA's Auspices: Russia Develops 'Flying-Wing' Strike Drone -- Sputnik

Haiti Is Bringing Back Its Army -- War Is Boring

Underwater hunt begins for lost Avro Canadian Arrow models -- BBC

Sweden's defense minister faces vote of no-confidence -- Defense News

Romania does multidomain battle on Danube -- Defense News

U.K. submarine completes upgrade, training period -- UPI

Georgia begins U.S.-led military exercise a day before Vice President Pence visit -- Reuters

Outgoing US Army Europe commander pushes for ‘Military Schengen Zone -- Army Times

Air Force F-22 Will Get New Targeting Sensors -- Scout Warrior

US Navy to commission new destroyer USS Rafael Peralta -- UPI

EMALS works! Carrier Ford completes first flight operations -- Military Times

The US Navy 3D printed a concept submersible in four weeks -- The Verge

Future infantry might not need humans -- Air Force Times

Better imagery analysis software coming, says DoD -- C4ISRNet

New night vision means soldiers can shoot around corners -- Army Times

New boot flying off shelves at Marine Corps Exchanges -- Marine Times

Mattis appalled by Trump tweets announcing transgender ban: report -- The Hill

House votes to authorize intelligence agencies -- The Hill

The U.S. Navy's Stealthy Zumwalt Class Destoyer: America’s New 'Pocket' Battleships? -- National Interest

5 Ways To Kill A Battleship

Wikimedia

Michael Peck, National Interest: Everything You Need to Know: 5 Ways to Kill a Battleship

What’s the best way to sink a battleship? Put a hole in it.

Easier said than done. Yet for all their vast hulls, big guns and thick armor plates, these titans of the sea have proven quite mortal since their debut in the early years of the twentieth century. More than a hundred battleships and pre-dreadnoughts have succumbed to various causes, according to one vigorously sourced list.

So here are the top five ways in which battleships die. Note: some cases are ambiguous. For example, the Bismarck was damaged by a torpedo launched by British Swordfish aircraft, which slowed the German battleship until the Royal Navy’s battle fleet caught up and sank the Bismarck with gunfire. So should credit for the kill be shared?

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WNU Editor: One can say the same thing about aircraft carriers .... with a few more hits to kill them.

Has North Korea Adopted Cyber Warfare As State Policy?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un uses a computer visits the Air and Anti-air Force Command of the Korean People's Army. KCNA/REUTERS

Levi Maxey, Cipher Brief: An Isolated North Korea Turns to Cyber Coercion and Cyber Chaos

As North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs ruffle the feathers in the United States and regional players in East Asia, there is another, less visible, confrontation occurring in the depths of computer systems around the world.

In the last decade, despite a notable deficiency in global internet access, North Korea has leaped into the spotlight on the geopolitical and criminal cyber stage. Resorting to cyberspace allows Pyongyang, and its leader Kim Jong-un, global reach to coerce adversaries – particularly South Korea and the United States – without the escalatory consequences of conventional military efforts.

“North Korea likely views cyber as a cost-effective, asymmetric, deniable tool that it can employ with little risk of reprisal attacks, in part because its networks are largely separate from the internet, and disruption of internet access would have minimal impact on its economy,” says a U.S. Department of Defense report submitted to Congress in 2015.

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WNU Editor: I suspect that this South Korean report/analysis is true .... North Korea hacking increasingly focused on making money more than espionage: South Korea study (Reuters).

F.W. de Klerk Issues A Warning On South Africa

Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk (YouTube)

FW de Klerk, Raddington Report: South Africa at the Crossroads

The South African Miracle is in deep trouble, writes F.W. de Klerk. President Zuma, through a cocktail of corruption, mismanagement, and racism, is undermining Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

South Africa’s “miracle,” the great nonracial constitutional accord negotiated in the early 1990s, is in deep trouble. Ten years ago, Jacob Zuma was elected leader of the ruling African National Congress. At the ANC’s 2007 national conference, 60% of delegates voted for Zuma in full knowledge of the 783 outstanding fraud and corruption charges against him.

They chose Zuma as their candidate because of his struggle credentials, his charisma and his appeal to African traditionalists — he has four wives and 22 children and delights in dancing and singing revolutionary songs at rallies. However, Zuma turned out to be a far more formidable politician than they had anticipated. They have once again been sidelined and now bitterly regret their role in his ascendance.

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WNU Editor: F.W. de Klerk is right .... but I suspect that his words are not being heard. The modern history of Africa has been one of corruption, racial/tribal/religious conflict, wars, and never being able to meet its full potential. Will South Africa escape this pattern .... I hope so .... but I doubt it.

Venezuela Claims That 41.5 Per Cent of The Country Voted For Constitutional Change

NBC: Venezuela: Government, Opposition Clash Over Turnout Numbers in Controversial Elections

MIAMI — Betty Blanco refused to vote in Venezuela's elections on Sunday because she said she loves her country too much.

The 77-year-old Caracas resident boycotted the controversial vote for a new constitutional assembly — a body that would vastly expand the powers of the country's ruling Socialist Party —"out of love for my country and for respect to my grandchild, because I don't want to leave him a mess of a country," calling the elections a "complete fraud."

Blanco was far from alone, according to the opposition and outside observers. Members of the opposition said they believed between 2 million and 3 million people voted. An exit poll by New York investment bank Torino Capital and a Venezuela public opinion company — based on surveys from 110 voting centers — put the number of voters at 3.6 million, or about 18.5 percent.

The country's election authorities, meanwhile, put the number of voters at 8.1 million, equaling a 41.5 percent turnout.

The different turnout numbers add more tension between the government and the opposition.

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WNU Editor: I asked a friend of mine who lives in Guyana and who watches the news and programs from Venezuela if reports of a high turnout are true. He just responded .... if it was true the Venezuelan government would have been at numerous polling stations running scores of videos showing happy voters supporting President Maduro. They did not.

More News On Venezuela's Vote For A Constitutional Assembly

Venezuela officials claim more than 8 million vote to grant government more power -- FOX News/AP
Venezuela‘s President Nicolas Maduro claims huge victory in vote to grant socialist party virtually unlimited powers -- The Independent
Venezuela's Maduro claims poll victory as opposition cries foul -- BBC
'Victory for the revolution': Venezuelan President Maduro claims election win as opponents vow to keep protesting after 10 are killed in wave of bloodshed -- Daily Mail
Venezuela Lauds Contentious Vote Result Amid Growing Violence -- Bloomberg
Venezuela poll: EU condemns violence as turnout figure disputed -- The Guardian
Maduro Waits for U.S. Response After Violent Venezuela Vote -- Bloomberg
Venezuela braces for more deadly protest after ‘sham’ election to empower President Nicolas Maduro draws international condemnation -- SCMP

Is National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster Being Undercut By The White House?

CNN: How McMaster is being undercut in and outside the White House

(CNN)National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster is increasingly isolated in President Donald Trump's administration, congressional and administration officials tell CNN, finding himself in conflict with senior White House officials, Cabinet members and the President himself.

A congressional source tells CNN that McMaster is at odds with President Trump on many key national security issues. McMaster has also found himself undercut by others in the President's orbit like chief strategist Steve Bannon and he has clashed with Defense Secretary James Mattis, according to congressional and administration officials.

McMaster's dust-ups with the President and his team have bubbled up over a long-delayed plan for Afghanistan, where the President has yet to sign off on a McMaster-backed strategy that would increase the number of US troops deployed to bolster America's longest war.

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WNU Editor: I guess the media coverage is over National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster's position on Afghanistan .... Trump refuses to sign off on McMaster's plan to send more troops to Afghanistan (Business Insider). And this does not help .... McMaster Removes Flynn Pick Derek Harvey From National Security Council (NBC). More here .... More Turmoil at the National Security Council (The Atlantic).

South Korean Defense Ministry: North Korea Like To Conduct More Missile Tests And A Possible Nuclear Test

(Yonhap)

Korea Herald: NK likely to fire more missiles, conduct nuke test: Seoul

North Korea is likely to conduct an additional ballistic missile launch and its sixth nuclear test following its latest launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, South Korea's defense ministry said Monday.

"There is a possibility that North Korea is likely to test its nuclear warhead and missile capabilities through a nuclear test with more explosive power," the Ministry of National Defense said in a report to the National Assembly.

The ministry added that the North is ready to carry out another nuclear test at any time at its nuclear explosion site in the northeastern province.

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WNU Editor: Speculation is rife that this may happen .... Donald Trump will attack weapons site in North Korea 'within the next year' after communist state said it had successfully fired a ballistic missile (Daily Mail) .... I am willing to bet that this will not happen. But U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is right that there is no point of passing another UN resolution condemning North Korea if North Korea does not listen .... No point in U.N. Security Council emergency session with no results: U.S Ambassador to U.N. (Reuters). A new strategy needs to be in place, what that new strategy may be is still up in the air.

100 Years Ago The Battle For Passchendaele Began

DW: WWI commemorations of Third Battle of Ypres begin

The Belgian town of Passchendaele is marking the 100th anniversary of the start of one the bloodiest battles of the First World War. The casualties were massive and, quite possibly, unnecessary.

Two days of commemorations of one of the worst battles of the First World War are underway in the 3,000-inhabitant town of Passchendaele and the surrounding area in West Flanders, Belgium. At least 460,000 soldiers died in the Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, which lasted from July 31 to December 31, 1917.

The official ceremony opened with the playing of the Last Post, a bugle call in the British Army and other armed forces, at Menin Gate in Ypres. July 31 sees a memorial service in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest graveyard for British Commonwealth forces in the world. Ceremonies are jointly organized by the UK government and local Belgian authorities.

Read more ....

More News On Remembering The Battle For Passchendaele

Passchendaele: Ceremony honours 'bravery' -- BBC
Passchendaele, 100 years on: Remembering the soldiers who ‘died in hell’ -- France 24
Battle of Passchendaele remembered in Ypres, Belgium -- DW
Battle of Passchendaele: Ceremony in Belgium marks 100 years since one of First World War’s deadliest offensives -- The Independent
Prince William remembers the Battle of Passchendaele at the Menin Gate in Ypres -- International Business Times
William hails `sacrifice´ of war dead at centenary of Battle of Passchendaele -- Daily Mail
Passchendaele, 100 years on: a final great act of remembrance -- Daniel Boffey, The Guardian
Passchendaele's untold army of women nurses -- BBC

Tweets For Today

BREAKING: Venezuela electoral body: 8 million voted to grant president’s ruling party virtually unlimited powers. https://t.co/XB3azL4I7p

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 31, 2017

Venezuela election turnout 'is 41.5%' https://t.co/KYg8z6kGMX

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 31, 2017

AFP map of northeastern Europe locating NATO battalions and strategic areas. US VP Pence vows US support in Estonia https://t.co/IaNDYeIriA pic.twitter.com/ZEqeXPiN1w

— AFP news agency (@AFP) July 31, 2017

Who is the iPhone’s most formidable rival in China? It’s a messaging app called WeChat https://t.co/I0PnKuxPN2

— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) July 31, 2017

USS Gerald Ford Completes Its First Arrested Landing And EMALS Launch Of An Aircraft

USNI News: VIDEO: USS Gerald R. Ford Conducts First Arrested Landing, Catapult Launch

Six days after commissioning, the crew of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) launched and recovered their first aircraft from carrier’s flight deck, according to a statement from the service.

The recovery of the F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron VX- 23 occurred at 3:10 P.M. EST off the coast of Virginia.

Lt. Cmdr. Jamie “Coach” Struck’s Super Hornet hit the number two wire on the Advanced Arresting Gear systems and then launched a little more than an hour later using the ship’s electromagnetic launch system (EMALS).

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WNU Editor: Impressive. Love the video.

More News On The USS Gerald Ford Completing Its First Arrested Landing And EMALS Launch Of An Aircraft

USS Ford launches and recovers a fighter jet for the first time -- Virginia Pilot
EMALS works! Carrier Ford completes first flight operations -- Navy Times
USS Ford makes history: Launches, lands fighter jet with magnetic technology -- FOX News
Aircraft carrier Ford successfully lands and launches its first flight -- Daily Press
US carrier Gerald R. Ford ‘makes history,’ completes first landing & launch of aircraft -- RT

Picture Of The Day

Two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers fly from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, into Japanese airspace and over the Korean Peninsula, July 30, 2017. The B-1s made contact with Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jets in Japanese airspace, then proceeded over the Korean Peninsula and were joined by South Korean F-15 fighter jets. This mission is in direct response to North Korea’s escalatory launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles, July 3 and 28.